The PokéGear item makes its return from Gold, Silver & Crystal into these games. The PokéGear has not changed function within the transition from the GameBoy Color to the Nintendo DS, but the features within it have all had an enhancement included, mostly through use of the DS's touch screen. The features of the PokéGear are as follows

The Phone

The main feature of the PokéGear is the phone. The phone is used just as you would think and can call a variety of characters within the game. These characters include trainers dotted around Johto as well as vital characters in the story such as your Mom or Professor Elm.

With the phone, you can both call-up and receive calls from these characters. They will give you vital information when you call. We shall provide a list of them when the game is released.

The Map Card

The map card works exactly as before and provides a map of Johto. This map is fully interactive and will allow you to zoom in to the various areas. When you hover over the areas, details of that specific area as well as a smaller map of the actual area, will appear on the touch screen. This will allow you to get a good idea of where everything is in the area.

In addition to that, there are some new features added to the map card. Firstly, you can make notes about each area about the Pokémon in the area, any Apricorn or Berry trees, any special buildings, any Technical Machine placement or any other note that you wish. These notes will appear on the top screen when you highlight that specific area on the map. In addition to that, you also have the ability to track the current locations of the roaming Pokémon; Entei & Raikou.

The Radio Card

The radio also makes a return in Heart Gold & Soul Silver. This feature allows you to listen to the radio stations within the game being broadcast from Goldenrod's Radio Tower. This provides different music for you to listen to as you play and will also give you tips and interviews of in-game characters on the top screen if you are still in the PokéGear menu.

Unlike the radio in Gold, Silver & Crystal, this radio appears to have a different way of tuning into the station. There are four constant channels accessed through the buttons. However, you have the ability of manual tuning through the touch screen in order to find other radio stations. Here's a list of the shows;

Pokémon Music

The Pokémon Music channel is unique in that it has a variety of programs airing on different days. The music all has an extra effect outside of battle. They are as follows

The Pokémon Channel usually has Professor Oak's Pokémon Talk playing on it. Before the National Dex, it just provides general information about which Pokémon dwell in which areas. However, after you obtain the National Dex, it will also inform you of the swarms that hit Johto & Kanto each day

People & Places

The next channel deals with a variety of Trainers you encounter through your travels, giving you details on anything special that they may have done

Variety Channel

The next channel has a few things on it. First there is a Radio Play that sometimes plays on it. Next, at 2am, 5am, 8am, 11am, 2pm, 5pm, 8pm & 11pm, Buena's Password plays. Listen to what she says then go to the Radio Tower and answer her question and you can win points to exchange for prizes

Unknown Radio Station

While in the Ruins of Alph, you will hear this signal in the middle of the wavelength. It appears to utilise the Unown's communication. If you play it, you have a higher chance of encountering an Unown shape you have yet to encounter

Evolution Signal

In Mahogany Town, before you remove the Rockets, this signal is sent out. It has no additional effect.

Team Rocket Announcement

When Team Rocket has captured the Radio Tower, this signal is sent out across all the radio channels, calling Giovanni to return to Team Rocket.

Pokémon Flute

After obtaining the Expansion Card in Kanto, you can listen to the Pokémon Flute channel. This channel will awaken sleeping Pokémon, specifically the Snorlax blocking Diglett's Cave in Route 11

Customisation

Unlike the PokéGear in Gold, Silver & Crystal, in HeartGold & SoulSilver, you have the ability to customise your Pokégear to match your own personal tastes. There are six different choices for you to utilise here; A Blue one, a Pink one, a Team Rocket style one, a Japanese temple style one, a Pokémon league style one and a Silph Co. style one. Click the thumbnails to bring up an image of them